You have probably heard the expression, "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Do you agree with it? Perhaps you were spanked as a kid. Was it appropriate? Some people see spanking as an outdated method of punishment or even child abuse, while others view a swat on the bottom as a parent's prerogative. Where do we draw the line when it comes to disciplining our children?
This is such a goofy argument; I hardly know where to begin. The equation of how long a practice has been in use with the inherent wisdom of said practice is ludicrous.
Here are a few other “disciplinary methods” that have gone on for “Several thousands of years, certainly.” Are these good ideas?
- Crucifixion. Made famous a couple thousand years ago, but practiced for at least seven centuries before that, and is still (albeit rarely) occasionally used in modern times.
- Genital Mutilation. Practiced for all kinds of, uh, “reasons,” including punishment.
- Stoning. The world’s oldest form of execution. Nothing brings a community together like a group killing.
I won’t bother detailing Slavery, Rape, Ritual Sacrifice, or any of the other horrible things that have been practiced for long periods of time. I could go on and on about ways that children (and adults) have been “disciplined” that seem, in retrospect, to be violent and dangerous. I don’t want to presume, but my guess would be that John Rosemond doesn’t think that any of the practices I’ve listed above are good ideas, even though they were endorsed by a majority of people in many diverse societies. For a long time.
It doesn’t matter how long a damaging practice has been done. It doesn’t make it a good idea.
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